A nearly one-month-old baby is fighting for his life after being diagnosed with multiple complex heart defects, prompting his family to appeal for urgent support to afford the medical treatment he desperately needs.
Baby Ethan Joaquin, born on July 2 at Gloria Lacson Hospital in San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija, was first admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) due to bronchopneumonia. But a deeper and more alarming condition surfaced soon after—a congenital heart disease confirmed through a 2D echocardiogram.
According to a pediatric heart surgeon consulted by the family, Ethan’s heart has several serious issues: a severe narrowing of the aorta (coarctation), a hole in the upper chamber (atrial septal defect), and an open blood vessel that failed to close after birth (patent ductus arteriosus). These structural problems are forcing his heart to work overtime, resulting in an enlarged right chamber and leaking of one of his heart valves.
The doctors said that while Ethan’s heart is still functioning, the strain is significant and may require surgery or intensive treatment soon.
Adding to their burden, both parents—Joseph and Marites—are currently unemployed. Joseph previously worked at Sofitel before it closed down, while Marites was a crew member at a nearby eatery. With no steady income, the family has struggled to cover hospital bills and ongoing medical care.
After exhausting their resources at Lacson Hospital, Baby Ethan was transferred to Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center on July 20. However, the family faced more hurdles—his condition worsened, and his tiny limbs became swollen from repeated IV insertions. The hospital also failed to process his re-application for admission to the Philippine Heart Center, a crucial step for getting the specialized treatment he needs.
Due to the lack of adequate care and rising concerns about Ethan’s condition, his family made the difficult decision to discharge him from the hospital. He is currently staying in their home in Jaen, Nueva Ecija while they arrange for a transfer to a hospital in Batangas, where they hope he will receive more attentive care.
“There was no sense of urgency from his attending doctor,” said a relative. “We are hoping that in Batangas, he’ll be prioritized and properly looked after.”
As Baby Ethan’s condition grows more critical, his family is reaching out to kind-hearted individuals for donations to help cover the cost of his upcoming treatments and possible surgery.
Donations may be sent to:
Seabank Savings Account
Name: Marites D. Solomon
Account Number: 10813943232
GCash Account
Name: Marites Solomon
Mobile: 09173058206
